HIV in modern times

HIV is an ever-present and constant threat in the times we live in today. It is a virus that attacks the immune system of a person and leaves it vulnerable to infections that become fatal. Once HIV blows into full AIDS there is no cure for the disease. However, in more recent times, there have been treatments developed to minimize the rapid spread of HIV in a person’s immune system. Most notable of these treatments is ART or Antiretroviral Therapy. ART is very effective at reducing the spread and ravages of HIV in the immune system of an infected person. This proper treatment greatly increases an infected person’s lifespan. Proper treatment can make HIV very manageable and leave a lot of room for a fairly long and productive life. As long as the HIV virus is detected and treated as soon as possible it can be a very treatable and manageable condition. ART can also inhibit and greatly reduce the spread of HIV to other individuals in the course of sexual contact.

Keeping safe or reducing the risk of HIV infection.

There are many ways to reduce the risk of contracting HIV or not getting infected at all. To know these methods, it is good to know how HIV is commonly transmitted.

Common ways of transmitting HIV.

HIV is most commonly passed on by sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids like semen and blood. It can also be transmitted through using unsafe and contaminated utensils like toothbrushes, razors, and needles. It can also be contracted by receiving a blood transfusion from an infected person. An infected mother can also transfer the virus to her unborn child if she is pregnant.

Common preventative measures.

There are methods that can be used to decrease the risk of getting HIV or staying safe and not contracting the virus at all. Using condoms during sexual intercourse is the most efficient method to reduce chances of contracting the HIV virus significantly. As long as using the condom is done properly, it can efficiently and greatly decrease chances of contracting the virus. Engaging in oral sex is also the riskiest method of sex in transmitting the HIV virus. Direct penetration to the vagina or anal sex are both very risky and increase the chance of getting the HIV virus. Also having sex with fewer people or only a single individual can really reduce chances of infection.

To stay totally safe, abstinence from sex is the most efficient method. This makes contracting the HIV virus 100% impossible because there is no sex. Of course, the virus can still be contracted through a blood transfusion or through using unclean utensils as mentioned above. So abstinence still does not guarantee that you will not contract the HIV virus. It only shields you from getting it through sexual contact. Knowledge and general awareness of the virus and what it can do is still the best bet.